"Cross-boundary Health Record" function of eHealth extended to all Hong Kong users to facilitate cross-boundary medical care
The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (December 24) that the "Cross-boundary Health Record" function in the eHealth mobile application (eHealth App) has been extended to all approximately 6.3 million eHealth users in Hong Kong, with immediate effect. Previously limited to eligible elderly recipients of the Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs), the extension enables more citizens to securely use their electronic health records (eHRs) across the boundary at designated medical institutions outside Hong Kong, thereby enhancing continuity of care.
Starting today, all eHealth users in Hong Kong may apply for their eHRs deposited in the eHealth system over the past three years through the "Cross-boundary Health Record" function in the eHealth App, before attending medical consultations at 20 designated medical institutions outside Hong Kong (see Annex for the list). Upon application, users will instantly receive an Application QR Code and a Password QR Code via the App. When attending consultations at designated medical institutions, users may present these QR codes to healthcare professionals, to grant permission for them to access and browse relevant health records on a designated web browser, thereby supporting diagnoses and treatment. To ensure data privacy and security of personal eHealth accounts, users will be notified via selected communication means (such as SMS or email), whenever a designated medical institution accesses their health records. Moreover, users may apply for the service on behalf of family members using the "Caregiver" function in the eHealth App.
A spokesperson for the HHB said, "The eHealth system serves as the backbone infrastructure for medical data in Hong Kong. In response to the growing trend of Hong Kong citizens using healthcare services in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Government has been maintaining close communication with relevant Mainland authorities and medical institutions in achieving convenient and secure usage of eHRs across the boundary through the eHealth system, so as to enhance the quality and safety of cross-boundary medical services. Throughout the process, we have strictly adhered to the overarching principles of ensuring due compliance of laws and regulations in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and that data security and patient privacy are fully safeguarded. The extension of the "Cross-boundary Health Record" function to all Hong Kong citizens marks a significant milestone in advancing cross-boundary healthcare collaboration. We will continue to take forward the sharing of cross-boundary medical records in an orderly manner, with a view to supporting citizens' cross-boundary healthcare needs more effectively."
Since July last year, the HHB has gradually rolled out the "Cross-boundary Health Record" function at a total of 20 medical institutions, namely the University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital and all medical institutions under the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme, to enable eligible elderly recipients of EHCVs to use their personal eHealth records across the boundary. The response to this function has been positive. As of November this year, more than 7 800 elderly persons have used the "Cross-boundary Health Record" function, submitting over 9 400 applications.
For more details of the "Cross-boundary Health Record" function, citizens may visit the eHealth thematic website or call the hotline at 3467 6300. The hotline service runs from 9am to 9pm from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays).
The Health Bureau
